1v1 to four gates in a 10x10 m square
Pairs duel inside a 10x10 m square with a 1 m cone gate on each side: the attacker can score by dribbling through any of the four gates and the defender, starting central, must read and close. Constant changes of angle and lots of take-ons in 8 minutes.
El atacante finta hacia la puerta izquierda; el defensor sale a cerrarla.
Objective
Beat the defender by changing the angle and the target gate with moves and changes of direction, and learn to defend from the centre by reacting rather than chasing.
Organisation
One 10x10 m square per pair marked with corner cones and a gate of two cones 1 m apart in the middle of each side (for U6-U8, a 12x12 m square and 2 m gates). Both players start in the middle; the attacker with the ball and a bib, the defender facing them one metre away. Several squares side by side so every pair plays at once.
Development
- 1On the coach's signal the duel starts: the attacker tries to dribble through any of the four gates; crossing a gate with the ball under control is one point.
- 2The defender tries to stop them and win the ball; if they win it or the ball leaves the square, the play ends.
- 3After every point or turnover both players return to the middle and switch roles: the defender now attacks.
- 4Attacker rules: no using the same gate twice in a row, and at least two gates must be threatened before crossing (feint towards one, exit towards another).
- 5Defender rules: start in the centre and never park in front of one gate; win the ball with the feet only, no holding.
- 6Rounds of 90 seconds with 30 seconds rest, each player counting their points; rotate pairs every two rounds to face different opponents. 8 minutes in total.
Coaching points4
- Use all four gates: if you only attack the gate in front of you, the defender only has to cover one direction.
- Change your angle to make the defender move: feint to one gate, outside-of-the-foot touch and accelerate to another.
- Ball close to the foot in the middle of the square; a bigger touch only when the gate is already open.
- Defender: stay central with bent knees and react to the ball, not to the attacker's body.
Common mistakes3
- Always attacking the gate straight ahead in a straight line.
- Feinting without a change of pace, so the defender still gets there.
- Defender chasing the attacker around the square and leaving three gates open.
Variations3
- Against the clock: how many gates the attacker crosses in 45 seconds before switching.
- Coloured gates: only the two the coach calls count.
- 2v2 in a 15x15 m square with the same four gates.
Progressions2
- A required move (scissors, Cruyff or drag-back) before crossing the gate.
- If the defender wins the ball they attack straight away: continuous 1v1 without returning to the middle.
Regressions2
- 12x12 m square and 2 m gates; walking defender.
- No defender in the first round: change gate on the coach's signal.
Tips
- Pair players of similar level so the duels are even.
- Count points out loud and ask the attacker which gate they scored through and why.